Apple has been criticized for the better part of this week after the launch of their new Macbook. Apples new netbook only had one port, the new USB type C. What is it and why does it matter?

The new USB type C is the new USB standard. The cable is identical in both ends, it can be plugged in to its port in any rotational direction. The plug is capable of transferring data, supplying power and recharging with up to 100 Watts which means that it will be able to recharge a full size computer. The plug is also capable of transferring audio and video with high bandwidth and can in theory replace HDMI. The new USB standard is capable of replacing any other port on a computer or technological peripheral.

Source: Apple

And the world goes on

So back to Apple and their new Macbook, i do agree that one port is probably not a lot and they should have probably gone down the same route as Google with their new Chromebook, they have one on each end meaning you can also plug your charger in on any preferred side of the computer.

Source: Google

I want to applaude Apple though, they have been bold in their confidence in the new standard, and to be frank you have to. By forcing people to use adapters they will force manufactures to create accessories with the new standard and also make the users want to have the new accessories to avoid being dependent on adapters. I am actually very glad to see that Apple have been a part of the development of the new plug and taking it in to use. Apple's lightning connector is probably the best thing that has happened in this area since the HDMI.

The Lightning connector itself is probably somewhat better than the new USB type C but the problem is that it is only made for Apple, it is not universal. Apple have been struggling with European regulations having to manufacture adapters to the European standard of Micro USB. I am not 100% sure but all things point in the direction of the early death of the lightning connector. Apples 30 pin's connector lasted for 10 years and it's successor only a few. Some may argue on this, but let's face it. A USB C on one end and lightning connector on the other is going to confuse the user of the product because they are so similar.

Consumer wins

Apple licensed the lightning connector, it was their own and they made money on every connector sold. The only winner was then Apple, USB C is universal and is going to be used everywhere in near future, for once in history the USB will truly be universal and the consumer will win. Yes the new plug is small in size but huge in potential.